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04 February 2013

the beginning

Welcome!

This past year I began to follow a dream I've had for so very long....

I started writing.

A novel.

Let me start at the beginning:
Before having children, I was dabbling with a story and one day the Lord clearly told me to put it down. "Not now." I felt that there would be a someday for me to return to writing and let it go as He asked. God had reasons for saying that I realize and, looking back, I understand them more clearly. But about twelve years later the need to put words on paper again stirred restlessly within and I heard, "Now. It's time."

That was all it took - and the need to write returned with a passion. Last spring I began pouring words into my little laptop and a story unfolded with the prodding of a few friends who cheered me on. That encouragement took me far and in 9 months time I had a rough draft I was happy to call my own. My manuscript needs work - I have no doubt. But I'm willing to put that blood, sweat and tears into it.

I have found so much joy in my writing, so much peace. It's carved out a space for me that I desperately needed while I care for my four children and homeschool them. It's a haven of its own making.

So now what?
I've met that simple goal of writing a novel. Which is truly all I set out to accomplish. But as I approached the end of the story I had grown to love so much, I discovered my confidence building and a desire to see how far I could take my writing was pushing me onward. And I have another story stirring itself into being right now.

I don't know what that means, nor do I know what God's plans are for my writing. I'm going to keep following this path to find out, though.

A lifelong lover of books, c. joy allen also loves playing with words on paper (or laptop). Well acquainted with the messes life can dish up, she is even more familiar with the healing ways of her God, the richness of His life that makes each day fuller. It is c. joy’s hope that she can express the nature of Christ in her living and writing. She is a recent finalist in the COTT Olympia and a member of ACFW where she loves to volunteer.